Apparatus for delivering weft threads for incorporation in fabric being knitted



May I, 1956 H. c. NOE 2,743,596

APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEINGKNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Harold CJVoeATTORNEY y 1, 1956 H. c. NOE 2,743,596

APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEINGKNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2:

IZ' I P POINT 01- 31/15/10 5 UPPL Y IN VEN TOR.

Harold CJVo e ZUHNEY May 1, 1956 H. C. NOE APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFTTHREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEING KNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4Sheets-Sheet 3 v XIV/T TING LINE AND WARP THREADS IN VEN TOR.

l/zzro/r/ C Noe May 1, 1956 H. c. NOE 2,743,596

APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEINGKNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Km K/V/TT/NC LINE) 51V fi ea a a K f 4% 50 /5 n H 1 j l INVENTOR. Harold UJVoe Zimz% TTOBNE'YUnited States Patent APPARATUS FUR DELEVERENG WEFT 'EHHEADS FORINCORkURATlfiN 1N FAii'RllC BEING KNlTTED Application heptember 4, 1%2,Serial No. 3ll7,7-'ll 34- Claims. (Cl. 6i-=-3d) The present inventionrelates to knitting machines such as warp knitting machines, and, moreparticularly, to improvements in apparatus for and a method ofdelivering weft threads to the knitting line which threads areincorporated in the fabric by the knitting elements.

Heretot'ore, it has been proposed to draw out lengths of thread anddeliver the lengths for discharge at the knitting line by means ofapparatus generally comprising coacting flexible members movable indivergent paths, means for engaging a thread arranged on the memberswhereby the means of the respective members alternate consecutively inengaging the thread, and means for mov ing the members along theirrespective paths so that the thread engaging means draw the thread outin lengths in zig-zag relation to each other which lengths are deliveredto and discharged at the knitting line. Such apparatus has never becomecommercially successful for a number of reasons as about to beexplained.

By reason of their Zig-zag arrangement, the lengths were delivered atsubstantial angle with respect to the knitting line of the knittingelements of the machine. This resulted in that one end of the lengthreached the knitting line much sooner than the other end thereof, thusrequiring a pause in the cycle of the knitting machine until both endswere delivered to the knitting line and discharged. T his delay defeatedany attempt to knit at a high speed and severely reduced the output ofknitting machines operated in this manner. While it may appear thatclosely spacing the engaging means would decrease the angle of the weftlength with respect to the knitting line and thereby minimize the timelag, this is not feasible because an excessive number of engaging meansmust be provided about which the thread makes half turns wherebyconsiderable tension is built-up in the thread as it is drawn intolengths. Such increase in tension is undesirable and leads to furthercomplications.

Since the engaging means drawing out a given length move in divergingpaths until the ength is delivered to and discharged at the knittingline, the length upon release is under maximum tension and tends tocontract rapidly whereby the ends of the length exert an inwardlydirected force on the side edges or selvages ot the warp threads and theknitting elements at the ends of the knitting line. Such force distortsthe warp threads from their normal vertical position and alignment withthe knitting elements, and consequently causes the needles to be bentout of alignment with respect to the needle bed slots whereby breakageof needles or other knitting elements and damage to the selvages of thefabric will occur. Also, while the stitches are being formed, re leasedends of the weft threads are caught in descending needle hooks and arepulled inside the endrnost needle by reason of the tension in the weftthreads, thereby causing the needles to chew up the fabric at the sel/ages.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to overcome theforegoing difficulties and disadvantages.

Another object is to provide apparatus for and a 2,743,596 Patented May1, 1956 method of delivering weft threads suitable for use in connectionwith high speed knitting machines.

Another object is to deliver the weft thread in lengths substantiallyparallel to the Warp threads at the knitting line and to arrange thelengths in registry with the knitting line practically instantaneously.

Another object is to provide apparatus for and a method of so deliveringand arranging the lengths in a simple and practical manner.

Another object is to provide improved means for engaging the thread,drawing out lengths and casting-off the lengths upon delivery to theknitting elements.

Another object is to position the ends of the lengths outwardly adjacentthe endmost threads of the warp threads in which the lengths are to beincorporated.

Another object is to facilitate guiding the ends of the lengths towardsuch endtnost threads.

Another object is to deliver and lay in the lengths while relaxed.

Another object is to provide elements for preventing undesirable forcesfrom being exerted by the lengths on the warp threads, the needles orother knitting elements.

A further object is to accomplish the foregoing by the construction andarrangement of elements which are simple, economical, practical, andwhich can Withstand such rough usage to which they may be subjected inthe normal operation of high speed knitting machines.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon anunderstanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described, orwill be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages notreferred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employmentof the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes ofillustration and description, and is shown in the accompanying drawings,forming a part of the specification, wherein:

Fig. l is a plan view of lay-in apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention, illustrated as used in cohjunction with a warp knittingmachine of which the knitting line is illustrated schematically.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line Il--ll on Fig.i.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line llllll on Fig.1, illustrating drive elements for the lay-in apparatus.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of cooperating thread engagingmeans of the lay-in apparatus at the thread supply source.

Figs. 5 and 5a are enlarged fragmentary perspective views of the threadengaging means shown in Fig. 4,

illustrating the same while castingcfi a drawn out length of the threadadjacent the knitting line at the respective ends thereof, taken from inback of the knitting line, the knitting elements being omitted.

Figs. 6 and are enlarged fragmentary perspective views corresponding toFigs. 5 and 5a. but taken from in front of the knitting line.

Fig. '7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the order in which certainof the thread engaging means pass around the point of thread supply.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the lay-in apparatus, illustrating thethread engaging means shown in Fig. 7 ad vanced to positions or" drawingout the thread in lengths and relaxing the lengths prior to delivery tothe knitting line.

Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the knitting elements disposed in thezone where the ends of the weft thread lengths are delivered in themanner shown in Figs. -5 and '6.

Fig. 10 is a similar view with reference to Figs. 5a and 6a.

Figs. 11 and 12 are views similar to Fig. but taken at later stages inthe knitting cycle.

Referring to the drawings in detail and more particularly to Fig. 1thereof, a warp knitting machine is illustrated schematically whichincludes a warp of vertical threads, and conventional knitting elementssuch as guides, needles, a needle bed or trick plate, and sinkers, theseelements not being shown in detail because their construction andarrangement is well known in the art. Such a machine is capable ofknitting up to several hundred courses per minute.

This warp knitting machine has associated therewith lay-in apparatus inaccordance with the invention which generally comprises a thread supplysource; a pair of arms 10 and 11 each having one end adjacent the threadsupply source and having the other end adjacent the knitting line inproximity to the respective selvages or side edges of the fabric;coacting flexible members 12 and 13, such as endless chains or belts, onthe arms 10 and 11 respectively, each having cooperating thread engagingmeans, such as hooks or pins P thereon; and means for driving the chainsalong a desired path to cause the thread to be drawn out in lengths Land delivered for discharge, as about to be described. This apparatus isadapted to be secured to and supported by the frame of the knittingmachine in any suitable manner to deliver the lengths L at the back ofthe warp threads.

As shown herein, the arms 10 and 11 are crooked and in generally akimborelation to each other. The arms each may be constructed of a singlemember having the desired shape, but preferably each comprises an upperarm member 14 having one end adjacent the thread supply and in divergingrelation with respect to a similar member 14 of the other arm, and anextension or forearm member 15 having one end attached to the other endof the member 14 and having its free end outwardly adjacent the knittingline. The members 14 and 15 are adjustably connected to each other by anelbow member 21 having arcuate slots into which a bolt 23 is secured forattaching the members 14 and 15 to the member 21 in a manner whereby thedistance between the free ends of the extension members 15 may be variedfor drawing and delivering weft threads of various lengths. In practice,the extension members 15 preferably are arranged to converge withrespect to each other or to extend parallel to each other, whereby theyare non-di verging with respect to each other for the purpose describedhereinafter. The arms 10 and 11, as shown, are inclined downwardlytowards the knitting elements, preferably at an angle of about 30 to thehorizontal.

The paths of the chains 12 and 13 are established on the arms 10 and 11,respectively, by means comprising a drive sprocket 16 adjacent the yarnsupply, a series of idler sprockets 17, 18, 19, and 20 arranged as shownon the arms, and a guide rail 22 at the inner sides of the arms facingeach other and extending from the drive sprocket 16 to the sprocket 20at the free end of the extension member 15.

The rail 22 extends slightly above the upper surface of the arm (Fig. 2)and slidably retains the inner strands of the chain moving downwardlyfrom the sprocket 16 to the sprocket 20 (as viewed in Fig. 1) whichstrands move in the path provided by the contour of the rail.Preferably, the rail is constructed of a strip of relatively stifi,somewhat bendable material having suificient rigidity to maintain thechain in its intended path but being adapted to bend at 24 to facilitateangular adjustment of the extension member 15.

In order to adjust the tension in the chain to a desired value and totake up slack in the chain when the extension member 15 is in variouspositions of adjustment, the idler sprocket 18 is mounted on a bolt 25slidably arranged in a slot 26 of the elbow member 21 for secure-- mentthereto.

The chains 12 and 13 are adapted to be driven by a source of powersupplied by the main drive of the knitting machine to a gear box 30(Fig. 3) including a driven shaft 31 and driven shafts 32 on which thedrive sprockets 16 are mounted. In this manner, the chains are bothdriven at the same speed and their corresponding strands are moved inthe same directions. If desired, the casing of the gear box may beutilized as a support for the arms 10 and 11 by securing the arm members14 thereto by brackets 34.

Each of the chains carries an even number of spaced pins 5 thereon, forexample twelve which are constructed and arranged to cooperate in themanner about to be described. These pins comprise a shank 40perpendicularly disposed with respect to the chains, an inclined orangularly oit's-et portion 41 on the shank, and a depending extension 42substantially perpendicular to the portion 43.. Two forms of such pinsare utilized. One form has its portion 31 extending downwardly withrespect to the chain and forwardly to the direction in which the chainis moving, and the other form has its portion 41 extending downwardlywith respect to the chain and rearwardly with respect to the directionin which the chain is moving, whereby the extension 42 of each form isinclined towards the shank of the pin. Preferably, the portion 41 isinclined forwardly or rearwardly at an angle of about 45 and is inclineddownwardly at an angle of 45 with respect to the shank 40, respectively.It will be understood that elements other than the pins or hooks shownherein could be utilized which elements would be provided with surfacesfor accomplishing the herein described functions.

These two forms of pins are arranged alternately on the chains 12 and13. For example, as shown schematically in Figs. 7 and 8, the pinsprefixed F have their portion 41 extending forwardly and the pinsprefixed R have their portion 41 extending rearwardly. The numeralfollowing each pin designation indicates the order in which they passthe yarn supply. In order to enable a pin on each chain to pass throughthe point of thread supply almost simultaneously, the two forms of pinson the chains are so related to each other that a forwardly inclinedtype pin on one chain coacts at the point of thread supply with arearwardly inclined type pin on the other chain. Thus, as shown in Fig.4, the coacting pins are brought through the point of thread supply inclosely spaced intermeshing relation but without coming in contact witheach other.

In order that the pairs of coacting pins cooperate with each other todraw out lengths L which are substantially parallel to each other and tothe warp upon delivery, the pins are so spaced on the chains that twoconsecutive pins P2 and Pa on one chain 13 first pass around the pointof thread supply, two consecutive pins P4 and P5 on the other chain 12next pass through the point of thread supply, two consecutive pins Paand P7 on the chain 13 then pass around the point of thread supply, andso forth (Fig. 7). This is accomplished by spacing alternately adjacentpins slightly different distances A and B. For example, the distance Amay be about one half of an inch longer than the distance B wherebycoacting pins either lead or trail each other about one quarter of aninch as they pass around the point of thread supply. With thisarrangement, each pin of a pair of more closely spaced pins on one chaincooperates with a pin of a pair of pins spaced further apart on theother chain to establish a length L, and the more closely spaced pinscooperate with each other for forming a spacing loop between thelengths, whereby the lengths are staggered in parallelism rather than inzig-zag relation. With the foregoing arrangement, it has been found thatthe lengths when positioned adjacent the back of the warp threads arepractically parallel thereto and are readily brought into alignment withthe knitting line for in corporation in the fabric.

The pins by reason of their shape are adapted to pick up the thread,hold the lengths thereon, and cast off the lengths as the pins passaround the idlers 20.

In order to hold the ends of the lengths ata right angle amaaoe to theknitting line and outwardly of the endmost needle at each end, a guideplate 45 (Figs. 5, 5a, 6 and 6a) is provided outwardly adjacent theendmost needle at each end. These plates are positioned on the sinkerbar at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, and comprise acurved thread guiding surface dd, a notch 47 for retaining the threadlengths in a position above the sinkers and in line with the sinkernotches and a projection 48 for pre' venting the lengths from beingpulled downwardly and inwardly of the notch 47.

By reason of the converging or parallel paths of the pins as theyapproach the warp, tension in the thread is relaxed as it approaches thedelivery or cast-E Zone so that it is under practically no tension otherthan that necessary to hold the lengths in a straight line withoutsagging. In this manner, when the lengths are received by the guideplates and are eventually discharged therefrom, the lengths do not tendto contract with any considerable force which might impair the selvagesor damage the knitting elements.

However, it is desirable that the endmost sinkers and knitting needlesbe protected against distortion, due to the ends of the lengths beingdrawn into contact therewith while the lengths of weft thread are beingincorporated into the fabric. This may be accomplished by utilizing anelongate sinker element t at each end of the row of singerscorresponding in shape to the sinkers except that it has a long nosewhich is slidably supported by a slide plate 51 positioned inwardly ofthe respective sinker elements 5t) and spaced from and secured to thetrick plate by a bracket The slides 51 prevent the elongate sinker frombeing distorted by tension in the lengths, and preferably areconstructed of spring stock which is relatively stiff but yet isslightly yieldable.

The operation of the weft thread delivering apparatus in accordance withthe present invention will be understood more clearly with reference toFigs. 1, 4, 7 and 8.

in Fig. 7, the point of thread supply and the chains 12 and 13 are showndiagrammatically, with the pins being identified in the order which theypass through the point of thread supply and the chains laid out lineallyin strands rather than in the actual path they follow. As the knittingmachine and the lay-in apparatus are put into operation, the extension42 of the pin FP1 on the chain 12 passes around the point of threadsupply and is closely followed by the pin RPZ on the chain 13. Actually,by reason of a stretch of thread which is laid adjacent the chain 12 bythe pin on the chain 12 preceding the pin FP1 and extends from the pointof thread supply inwardly of the extension 42 of the pin FP1 (Fig. 1),the pin FP1 does not engage thread until the extension 42 of the pin RPZengages the thread (Fig. 4) and draws it toward the chain 13. As thisoccurs, the thread is caught by the extension 42 of the pin FP1, andthese two pins now cooperate to draw out a length L upon moving in adownward diverging path. A stretch of thread is now laid at the side ofthe chain 13 which is first picked up by the pin R1 4 '011 the chain 12,and then by the pin PP3 on the chain 13 whereby these pins cooperate todraw out a second length L upon moving in a downward diverging path. Thepins which follow repeat this cycle, with pins R1 4 and FPS on chain 12,pins RPti and FF? on chain 13, and pins RPS and FP9 on chain 12cooperating respectively to lay stretches or spacing loops connectingadjacent lengths and with pins FPS and R1 6, pins PW and RPS, and pinsFP9 and RPltl coacting to draw out the succeeding lengths L.

in Pig. 8, the paths followed by the pins described in connection withFig. 7 are illustrated schematically. T he pins FP1 and RP?! are aboutto discharge a length L; and the pins FPS and 111%, pins FPE and R1 6,and pins PPV and RPS are carrying lengths towards the knitting line. Thepins FPE and RPM are about to coact to draw out a length of thread andare in the same position as pins FP1 and RPZ as shown in Figs. 1 and 4-.in moving from the position occupied by the pins F1 9 and RPM to theposition occupied by the pins FPS and RP6 in Fig. 8, the lengths aredrawn out and are under maximum tension when at the latter position.Thereafter, by reason of the converging or parallel path taken by thepins, the lengths are relaxed and upon reaching the position occupied bythe pins FPIl and RPZ tension therein is practically eliminated. Thisconditions the lengths for delivery to and incorporation in the fabricat the knitting line as about to be described.

The knitting elements and their coaction with the weft thread deliveringmeans to incorporate the weft thread in the fabric illustratedschematically in Figs. 9 to 12.

These elements comprise warp thread guides (not shown); a row of needlesadjacent and in back of the knitting line including knitting needles KN,and a blank or hookless needle BN at each end of the row, the functionof which will be described hereinafter; and a row of sinkers on a sinkerbar SB including notches, sinkers and an elongate sinker 50 at each endof the row which is positioned to pass between the first and secondknitting needle from each end and bear against the outer face of theslide plate 51. In these views, the guide plates 45 mounted on thesinker bar are also shown in their spaced relation with respect to theneedles and sinkers.

in Fig. 9, the knitting elements at one end of the knitting line areshown in the point of their cycle at about the time the pin FP1 is inthe position shown in Figs. 5 and 6. At this point, the needles aredown, the sinkers have begun their inward movement with the nose of theelongate sinker 5d just engaging the slide: plate 51, and the pin FP1 isjust about ready to cast oil the end of the length L which end extendsbelow the sinker 59 (Fig. 6) to the fabric at the knitting line. Whenthe pin FP1 moves slightly toward the right (as viewed), the end of thelength is released therefrom and is dropped on the sinker 5d. Since thesinker is braced by the slide plate 5'1 at this instant, distortionthereof by any tension in the length is prevented. Likewise, the lengthis held out of contact with the warp threads and cannot move therein outof gauge with respect to the needles and disrupt knitting operations. heend of the length is momentarily supported on the sinker Stl until thesinkers move further inwardly and the notches of the sinkers engage thelength and push it into the knitting line as about to be described.

In Fig. '10, the knitting elements at the other end of the knitting lineare shown in the point of their cycle slightly later than at about thetime the pin R1 2 is in the position shown in Figs. 5a and do, it beingnoted that the pin has already cast-off the end of the length L which iscaught by the notch 47 and the guide plate 45. The needles are stilldown, and the sinkers have moved further toward the knitting line butthe notches of the sinkers have not yet engaged the length to push it tothe knitting line.

In ll, tie knitting elements at both ends of the knitting line are shownin the point of their c ele following that shown in Fig. 10. The sinkersh 'e moved to a position whereby the notches thereof the notch -3? f theguide plate at the left (as viewed) push the Zen into alignment with theknitting line, and the needles are about to move up in front of thelength (as viewet) to a position above the sink rs to facilitate lappingthe thread thereon in the usual manner.

in Fig. 12, the knitting elements at both ends of the knitting line areshown in the point of. their cycle where the sinkers have moved down (asviewed) a considerable distance and the notches have released the loo nL which is being incorporated in the fabric at the knitting line.

When such movement has place, the end of the length at the right (asviewed), which was supported on the elongate sinker, is released to moveaway with the fabric because this sinker 59 has been moved clear of itsslide plate 51 and below the knitting line (as viewed); and the end ofthe length at the left (as viewed), which passed around the guide plate45 at its notch (Fig. 10), is released by the guide plate and now passedaround the blank needle, whereby any tension in the weft thread at thisend is counteracted by the blank needle to prevent distortion of theknitting needles at this end of the row and to prevent knitting faultsdue to such distortion.

As the next leading pin F1 3 on chain It?) approaches the knitting lineat the left end (as viewed in 5a, 10, ll and 12) and the next trailingpin RP4 on chain 12 approaches the knitting line at the right end (asviewed in Figs. 5, 9, 11 and 12), the same action takes place at theleft end which took place at the right end and the same action takesplace at the right end which took place at the left end while the lengthwas cast-off the pins Fi i and RPZ. Thus it will be seen that thisaction is reversed each time a length is east-off, the action being thesame for alternate lengths.

The spacing of the pins on the chains and the speed at which the chainsare driven can be adjusted so that a length is laid in each row oralternate rows of the weft rows of the fabric or in one or more rowswhile skipping one or more following rows to produce patterning effects.While the present invention has been illustrated and described with aknititng machine wherein the end of the lengths L are cast-off at theselvages and the lengths thus extend across the entire Width of thefabric, it will be understood that the arms 15, the plates 45, theelongate sinkers 50, and the blank needles BN could be positionedinwardly of the selvages or ends of the knitting line whereby thelengths L would extend only partially across the width of the fabric tocreate a pattern in the fabric. Likewise, it is contemplated thatduplicate apparatus could be placed side by side to lay in twoindependent lengths in each weft row or in alternate weft rows to createfurther patterns. In view of these various uses of the apparatus, thepoints between which a length extends may be referred to as cast-offpoints.

The term thread is used in a generic sense herein and is intended toinclude all kinds of yarns, filaments, cords, tapes, strips andchenilles, of plastic, fibrous and/or metallic formation which may beutilized as weft threads.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the presentinvention provides a vastly improved method of an apparatus'for layingweft threads in a rapid, foolproof and practical manner. The apparatusis relatively simple and economical, and light in weight to adapt it forhigh speed knitting. The elements of the apparatus are constructed andarranged to withstand such rough usage to which they normally may besubjected.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangementof the parts herein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention and without sacrificing any of its advantages, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein is to be interpreted as illustrativeand not in any limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereonfor engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in paths todraw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said membersin paths to relax the lengths terminating adjacent the fabric.

2. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereonfor engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergentpaths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving saidmembers in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric.

3. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereonfor engaging a thread, means for moving said members in akimbo relationto first draw the thread out in lengths under tension and then to relaxthe lengths prior to delivery to the fabric.

4. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereonfor engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergentpaths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving saidmembers in paths substantially parallel to the other terminatingadjacent the fabric.

5. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising spaced apart guide elements adjacent theknitting line, coacting fiexible members having means thereon forengaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergentpaths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving saidmembers in non-divergent paths terminating outwardly adjacent said guideelements respectively.

6. Apparatus according to 'claim 5, wherein said guide elements areoutwardly adjacent the points in the knitting line at which the ends ofthe lengths are to be delivered.

7. Apparatus for delivering weft thread to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising thread supply means, a pair of crooked armseach having one end adjacent said thread supply means and the other endadjacent the knitting line, an endless chain for each arm having meansthereon for engaging a thread at said supply means and releasing thesame adjacent the knitting line, and means on said arms for moving saidchains to follow the general contour of their arm whereby the thread isdrawn out in lengths which are delivered to the fabric for incorporationtherein.

8. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having meanscontoured for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first indivergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, means for directingsaid members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric, andmeans for directing said members in return paths, said first mentionedmeans being contoured to cast-off the thread at said last means wherebylengths are discharged and delivered to the fabric for incorporationtherein.

9. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having bent pinsthereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first indivergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, means for directingsaid members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric;means for directing said members in a return path, said pins beingconstructed and arranged to cast-ofi the thread at said last mentionedmeans whereby lengths are discharged, and guide elements for receivingthe ends of cast-off lengths and delivering the same to the fabric forincorporation therein.

10. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising coacting flexible members having elementsthereon adapted for engaging a thread, means for moving said membersfirst in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and meansfor then moving said members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacentthe fabric, said elements each having an inclined portion and saidelements on each of said members having said portion inclinedalternately in opposite directions lengthwise with respect to the pathsof said members.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said inclined portions havea thread engaging extension thereon.

12. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising a pair of coacting flexible continuous membershaving means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving saidmembers first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, andmeans for then moving said members in non-divergent paths terminatingadjacent the fabric, adjacent pairs of thread engaging means on saidmembers being alternately spaced a predetermined distance and a distanceslightly greater than said predetermined distance, said members beingarranged so that two adjacent thread engaging means spaced apart saidpredetermined distance of one of said members cooperate with twoadjacent thread engaging means spaced apart said slightly greater thanpredetermined distance of said other member to draw the thread insubstantially parallel lengths.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of said members has aneven number of at least four thread engaging means thereon.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein thread engaging means areelements each having an inclined portion and said elements on each ofsaid members having said portion inclined alternately in oppositedirections lengthwise with respect to the paths of said members.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14-, wherein said inclined portions ofthe elements of one of said members are inclined transversely withrespect to the path of their member and said portions of the elements ofsaid other member are inclined transversely with respect to the path oftheir member in an opposite direction.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said inclined portions havea thread engaging extension thereon substantially perpendicular thereto.

17. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkersand a pair of spaced apart sinker elements of greater length than saidsinkers; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to theknitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioningone end of the weft thread lengths on one of said. sinker elements.

18. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkersand a pair of spaced apart sinker elemerits of greater length than saidsinkers; a guide plate outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements;and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line ofsaid knitting elements including means for positioning the like ends ofalternate weft thread lengths on one of said sinker. elements and therespective opposite ends thereof on one of said guide plates.

19. In combination, warp knitting elements including a needle bed, a rowof sinkers and a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length thansaid sinkers; means on said needle bed spaced from the stitch clearingedge thereof and positioned inwardly adjacent each of said sinkerelements for sliding contact therewith; and apparatus for deliveringweft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elementsincluding means for positioning one end of the weft thread lengths onone of said sinker elements.

20. In combination, warp knitting elements including a needle bed, a rowof sinkers and a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length thansaid sinkers; means on said needle bed spaced from the stitch clearingedge thereof and positioned inwardly adjacent each of said sinkerelements for sliding contact therewith; a guide plate outwardly adjacenteach of said sinker elements; and apparatus for delivering weft threadlengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including meansfor positioning the ends of the weft thread lengths on one of saidsinker elements and on one of said guide plates.

21. In combination, warp knitting elements including a series ofknitting needles positioned in a row and a blank needle outwardlyadjacent each end of said series of knitting needles and apparatus fordelivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knittingelements including means for positioning one end of the weft threadlengths on one of said blank needles.

22. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkers, apair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkers insaid row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and a blank needle insaid row of needles outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elemerits andapparatus ,fordelivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line ofsaid knitting elements including means for positioning the like ends ofalternate weft thread lengths on one of said sinker elements and therespective opposite ends thereof on one of said blank needles.

23. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkers, apair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkersi insaid row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and a blank needle insaid row of needles outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements; aguide plate outwardly adjacent each of said blank needles; and apparatusfor delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knittingelements including means for positioning the ends of the weft threadlengths on one of said sinker elements and on one of said guide plates.

24. In combination, warp knitting elements including a sinker bar havinga row of sinkers, a pairof spaced apart elements of greater length thansaid sinkers in said row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and ablank needle in said row of needles outwardly adjacent each of saidelements; means positioned inwardly adjacent each of said elements andslidably contacted by said elements; and apparatus for delivering weftthread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements includingmeans for positioning the like ends of alternate weft thread lengths onone of said sinker elements and the respective opposite ends thereof onone of said blank needles.

25. In combination, warp knitting elements including a sinker bar havinga row of sinkers, a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length thansaid sinkers in said row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and ablank needle in said row of needles outwardly adjacent each of saidelements; means positioned inwardly adjacent each of said elements andslidably contacted by said elements; a guide plate on said sinker baroutwardly adjacent each of said blank needles; and apparatus: fordelivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knittingelements including means for positioning the like ends of alternate weftthread lengths on one of said elements and the respective opposite endsthereof on one of said guide plates for delivery to one of said blankneedles.

26. In combination, Warp knitting elements including a sinker bar havinga row of sinkers each formed with a notch, and a pair of spaced apartguide plates on said sinker bar each having a thread guiding surfaceabove said sinker bar and each having a notch in alignment with saidsinker notches; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to theknitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioningone end of the weft thread lengths on one of said guide plates.

27. Apparatus for delivering weft thread to be incorporated in fabricbeing knitted comprising thread supply means, a pair of arm members eachhaving one end adja cent said thread supply means and diverging withrespect to the other, an extension member for each arm member eachhaving one end attached to the other end of said arm member foradjustably positioning the same to vary the distance between the freeends of said extension memher to accommodate a warp of threads ofvarious widths, said free ends of said extension members being adaptedto be positioned adjacent the knitting line, an endless chain for eachattached arm and extension member having means thereon for engaging athread at said supply means and releasing the same adjacent the knittingline, and means on said arm and extension members for moving said chainsto follow the general contour of their arm and extension members wherebythe thread is drawn out in lengths which are delivered to the fabric forincorpora tion therein.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said arm and extensionmembers are pivotally connected, and

means are provided for securing said extension members in fixedpositions of adjustment.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein an idler sprocket isadjustably mounted on each arm member adapted for adjusting the tensionin the chains upon varying the position of said extension members.

30. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein a bendable chain guide railis connected to said arm and extension members adapted for engagement byone strand of a chain.

31. Apparatus for supplying weft thread lengths to be incorporated infabric being knitted comprising coacting means for drawing the threadout in lengths and delivering the lengths to the fabric, said meansincluding a plurality of cooperating hook-like elements contoured toengage a thread and support the same while being drawn out in lengthsand delivered and contoured to discharge such lengths adjacent thefabric.

32. Apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to be incorporated infabric being knitted comprising means for supplying a thread, coactingendless flexible members extending from points adjacent said supplyingmeans to points adjacent the fabric and returning to adjacent saidsupplying means, mechanism for moving said members in a continuous pathbetween said points, and hook means on said flexible members contouredand arranged to engage the thread at said supplying means and draw thesame out in lengths while moving in a direction toward the fabric andcontoured to discharge such lengths adjacent the fabric upon movement inanother direction.

33. Apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said hook-like elementscomprise a shank, an angularly offset portion on said shank, and aninclined extension on said offset portion.

34. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said hook means comprise ashank substantially perpendicular to said flexible member on which thesame are mounted, an angularly offset portion on said shank, and anextension on said offset portion substantially perpendicular thereto.

Morton May 7, 1935 Klumpp et al. May 14, 1940

